WINTER IS BEST ENJOYED OUTSIDE
Winter offers many ways to enjoy the outdoors. It turns green hills into ski slopes, transforms state parks into winter wonderlands, and attracts one of the largest gatherings of eagles found anywhere.
And yet most of us spend winter inside, catching only a glimpse of winter's wonders.
Fortunately, Illinois offers plenty of reasons to enjoy winter outside. You can race down a ski slope high above the Mississippi River. Ice skate in the heart of Chicago. Spend a day eagle watching. Or just learn something new, like how to tap a maple tree for syrup.
Click on a region below to learn about its winter activities.
Museum of Modern Ice
This winter celebration in Millennium Park features artist Gordon Halloran's brilliantly colored ice wall that is 95 feet long and nearly 12 feet tall. See this spectacular exhibit during February and have fun participating in all the surrounding activities.
Millennium Park
Go ice skating mere steps from Michigan Avenue with Chicago's dramatic skyline as a backdrop. During Museum of Modern Ice, the ice surface will be painted to bring added magic to a romantic date or family outing.
TOAST on The Magnificent Mile™
Raise your glass this February as Moët and Chandon bring luxury champagne events to hotels, restaurants, and retail locations in The Magnificent Mile district. Michigan Avenue is also the perfect place to see fireworks over the Chicago River every Saturday night at 6:30.
Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park
Snowboarders are king at this park that provides the "world's first snowboard exclusive area." To keep hills fresh, the terrain is constantly changed to provide half pipes, kickers, table tops, and more.
Algonquin
Zoofari at Cosley Zoo
Start your Saturday with a zoofari at this hands-on zoo where parents and children experience animals and nature through play. Each one-hour session includes role-playing, crafts, activities and more. Available January 19, February 16 and March 8.
Wheaton
Chestnut Mountain Resort
This resort has the largest terrain park in the Midwest, home to 19 thrilling ski runs and located just minutes from the charming attractions of Galena. No wonder Ski Magazine rates Chestnut Mountain Resort as one of the top 10 ski resorts in the Midwest.
Galena
Starved Rock State Park
Walking in a winter wonderland is fine. But hiking 13 miles of trails with breathtaking views of majestic bluffs and canyons is even better. Now is also a great time for eagle watching during a Bald Eagle Tour on the Starved Rock Trolley.
Utica
Maple Syrup Time - Lincoln Memorial Garden
Winter is the perfect time to watch, learn and participate in the syrup-making process. During this outdoor demonstration you and your family can do everything from drilling the holes to tasting the finished product.
Springfield
Wolf Creek State Park
If snowmobiling is more your speed, then head to Wolf Creek State Park. You'll find over 16 miles of trails that whisk you through indigenous woodlands and skirt the shoreline of Lake Shelbyville.
Windsor
Forest Park Nature Center
Join the "Owl Prowl" to see various types of owls in their natural habitat. During this guided tour you'll hike into the wilderness, practicing your owl calls along the way.
Tours available 1/22, 2/5, 2/19.
Peoria
Ski Snowstar Winter Sports Park
Skiers of all levels will enjoy this resort nestled in Coal Creek Valley, just minutes from the Quad Cities. Fourteen runs start high above the Mississippi River and ribbon their way through 28 acres of skiable terrain peppered with rails, table tops, hip jumps, and more.
Andalusia
Kosmic Acres Stables
Miss the outdoor fun of horseback riding? Then visit Kosmic Acres Stables where horseback riding is a popular winter activity. Their experts will match you with a horse and take you on a guided tour of the beautiful terrain of Southern Illinois. Lessons are available.
Alto Pass
Shawnee National Forest
Hike through the breathtaking beauty of this sprawling national forest. You can explore over 300 miles of marked trails, 30 of which are reserved just for hikers of all levels.
Harrisburg
Pere Marquette State Park
There's a reason why bird watchers converge here every winter. Pere Marquette State Park is home to many breeds of birds, including bald eagles, woodpeckers, owls and chickadees, just to name a few. See for yourself during a hike on the park's popular Ravine Trail this winter.
Grafton
Eagle Meet & Greet
See eagles up close at the World Bird Sanctuary, or see them in their natural habitat on an Alton Eagle Watcher's Guide as you journey along the Great River Road.
Alton
Natural Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
How is it that a blanket of snow can make these hallowed grounds even more peaceful? See for yourself this winter with a spiritually refreshing tour of these grounds that span 200 beautiful acres.
Belleville
